Families in the UK await DNA verification following the Air India 171 crash, expressing worries about potential misidentified remains.
The families of British victims from the Air India Flight 171 crash are waiting for confirmation on DNA matches of the recovered remains, following high-level talks between the Indian and UK governments. Concerns have arisen due to estimates by Keystone Law suggesting that up to 40 sets of remains may have been mislabelled, mishandled, or misidentified.
The crash on June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, including 52 British nationals. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submitted a preliminary report, indicating that 254 bodies were identified via DNA analysis and six through facial recognition. All remains were returned to families, but the confirmation process is ongoing, and detailed identification efforts continue.
In response to the misidentification concerns, the UK and Indian governments have engaged in discussions to address the families' grievances and ensure accurate DNA verification of remains. Air India and relevant authorities are cooperating closely in the repatriation process, providing support to families, and maintaining investigation transparency.
Keystone Law, a London-based legal firm, is working alongside aviation experts following the crash. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been granted expert status in the Indian-led inquiry and is currently reviewing the findings of the preliminary report. The AAIB probe is ongoing.
If the 15% error rate in repatriated caskets is extrapolated, it suggests that 40 sets of remains may have been mislabelled, mishandled, and misidentified. Reports indicate that two of 12 caskets repatriated to the UK were incorrectly identified.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India insists that all mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased. The MEA is working with British authorities to address the concerns raised about the repatriation procedures.
There are reports of a possible financial support scheme being considered by the Tata Group, which owns Air India, offering ex gratia support of a minimum of ₹1 crore per loved one lost. An inquest into the deaths of some of the British passengers was opened and adjourned last month by the Senior Coroner in London.
The legal team from Keystone Law has reiterated its appeal for both governments and investigative bodies to prioritize open communication with families, who continue to await the return and identification of their relatives' remains more than seven weeks after the crash. Some matched DNA remains may now have been located in India, but confirmation is awaited.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the UK last week, the issue was raised during bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The preliminary report from the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicates that both engines of Air India flight AI 171 lost fuel supply shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. Attempts to restart the engines failed, and the aircraft crashed into the grounds of B.J. Medical College, killing 19 people on the ground in addition to all passengers and crew on board.
The DGCA has ordered inspections following the crash. The legal team has questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the fuel cut-off mechanism and the audio evidence from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Families in the UK have called for a formal mechanism to allow for independent expert representation in the Indian investigation.
As the investigation continues, the affected families remain hopeful for a resolution that will bring closure and ensure the utmost respect and dignity in the handling of their loved ones' remains.
General news outlets are covering the ongoing controversy regarding the mislabeling of remains from the Air India Flight 171 crash. Politicians are partaking in discussions to address the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accurate DNA verification. Meanwhile, crime and justice experts are closely monitoring the investigation, with concerns raised about the fuel cut-off mechanism and audio evidence from the Cockpit Voice Recorder. In the sports world, a group is advocating for an independent expert to represent families in the ongoing inquiry. Some sports betting platforms have stopped offering wagers on this tragedy, showing a growing concern for human life.
